WIRRAL Council is supporting shoppers and local businesses by cutting the cost of parking in council car parks throughout the Christmas period.

From December 9, all council-operated car parks will operate a "free after 3pm" discount, giving residents and visitors the chance to go Christmas shopping without paying to park.

As well as being "Free After 3pm", shoppers will be able to park for free all day on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Announcing the scheme at the meeting of Wirral's ruling cabinet on Thursday, Cllr Stuart Whittingham - cabinet member for highways and transportation - said: "As an authority we are committed to supporting our local town centres, and we recognise that Christmas is a particularly important time for shoppers and local businesses.

"With this in mind, we are cutting the cost of parking in council car parks and offering 'Free After 3' parking from December 9, and making parking on Boxing Day and New Year's Day free all day.

"Increasing footfall in our town centres is a key aspect of our work to support traders and take make it easier and more affordable for people to access local goods and services.

"Shoppers will be able to use their local shops and town centres for their festive shopping knowing they won't have to pay extra for parking their car after 3pm."

Council leader Cllr Phil Davies said due to "budget implications", the discount would have to be approved by full council when they meet on December 8.

He said he did not anticipate the scheme's refusal and expected it to be implemented on December 9.

Paula Basnett, chief executive of Wirral Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is excellent news for local retailers during the Christmas period.

"I am very pleased that the council has introduced this parking concession and I hope that Wirral shoppers and indeed those from further afield take advantage of it to support local retailers."

Motorists will still have to pay for on-street parking in Birkenhead.